Our Scientific Foundation
The Aurion Protocol is informed by over 30 years of peer-reviewed cardiovascular research into Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP).

At the core of our protocol is PureFlow™, a patented Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) technology rooted in more than 30 years of cardiovascular science. We build on this established foundation through ongoing clinical investigation, with the Aurion Protocol developed in reference to a substantial body of peer-reviewed cardiovascular research. The result is a protocol that does not just feel different, but whose effects have been studied and measured in clinical research settings.
One protocol, four biological impact.
Clinical research has examined physiological effects associated with EECP across four biological areas: the vascular system, cellular function, organ health, and systemic resilience.
Reseach findings
PureFlow™ helps improve endothelial function.ᵃ
Endothelial function is the primary indicator of how well your cardiovascular system is ageing. Because everyone’s biology is unique, it’s important to track how the vessel lining is actually responding to therapy. Clinical studies looked at the impact of this mechanism on key biomarkers compared to standard care and found that the therapy made a measurable difference.
– PureFlow™ has been shown to improve endothelial function in clinical studies of patients with coronary artery disease and chronic angina.ᵃ
– PureFlow™ increases Nitric Oxide levels.ᵃ
– PureFlow™ increases Circulating Progenitor Cells.ᵃ
a. These findings are derived from prospective clinical trials conducted by Bonetti et al. [1], Braith et al. 1, Casey et al. 10, and Kiernan et al. 8. In these studies, patients completed standard courses of EECP therapy. Researchers utilised Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT) to measure physical changes in vessel flexibility and Flow Cytometry to quantify the mobilisation of repair cells and inflammatory markers.
PureFlow™ helps increase aerobic capacity.ᵇ
Aerobic capacity, measured as Peak VO₂, is the defining metric of your physical stamina. It represents the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilise during intense activity. Improving this metric usually requires high-intensity training. In clinical studies of patients with cardiovascular limitations, EECP was associated with improvements in exercise capacity.
Clinical research looked at the impact of the therapy on exercise tolerance compared to baseline, and found that the mechanism made a measurable difference.
– PureFlow™ increases Peak Oxygen Uptake (VO₂ Peak).ᵇ
– PureFlow™ extends Time to Fatigue.ᵇ
b. These findings are derived from controlled studies conducted by Feldman et al.11 and Beck et al.12. In these studies, subjects with cardiovascular limitations completed the standard 35-hour course of EECP therapy. Researchers utilised Graded Exercise Testing (GXT) to measure changes in oxygen uptake (VO₂ Peak) and exercise duration, demonstrating physiological improvements without the subjects engaging in active physical training.
PureFlow™ helps enhance organ perfusion.ᶜ
Perfusion is the steady delivery of blood to vital organs. Under stress, the body naturally shunts blood away from “non-immediate” survival organs. PureFlow™ reverses this by forcing a systemic surge of blood into these micro-circulatory networks. Studies evaluated the impact of this flow on organ-specific dynamics and found that statistically significant changes were observed in measured physiological outcomes.
– PureFlow™ increases Renal Perfusion.ᶜ
– PureFlow™ improves Cerebral Blood Flow.ᶜ
c. These findings are derived from clinical studies conducted by Werner et al.15 and Zhang et al.18. Researchers utilised Doppler Ultrasound imaging to measure blood flow velocity in the renal (kidney) and carotid (brain) arteries during EECP therapy, confirming significant increases in peak diastolic flow to these vital organs.
PureFlow™ reduces cardiac workload while maintaining output.ᵈ
“Cardiac workload” is the amount of energy your heart consumes to perform its job. PureFlow™ is unique because it mechanically unloads the heart, mechanically augmenting circulation during the heart’s resting phase, as demonstrated in invasive hemodynamic studies. to let the heart muscle rest while still circulating blood. Hemodynamic studies looked at the mechanics of this process and found that the therapy created a unique state of “high flow, low stress.”
– PureFlow™ decreases Systolic Afterload.ᵈ
– PureFlow™ increases Stroke Volume.ᵈ
d. These findings are derived from a pivotal hemodynamic study conducted by Michaels et al. at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) published in 2002.5 In this study, researchers utilised invasive Left Ventricular Pressure-Volume Loops (the gold standard for measuring cardiac mechanics) during EECP therapy. The data confirmed that the device significantly reduced the pressure the heart had to pump against (systolic unloading) while simultaneously increasing the volume of blood pumped (cardiac output).
PureFlow™ helps improve autonomic balance and sleep quality.ᵉ
Modern performance depends on recovery capacity. Burnout often develops when the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) remains stuck in a “fight or flight” state. PureFlow™ acts as a passive recovery tool, supporting the shift towards parasympathetic dominance (“rest and digest”).
– PureFlow™ increases Heart Rate Variability (HRV).ᵉ
– PureFlow™ improves Sleep Quality.ᵉ
e. These findings are derived from studies conducted by Xu et al.20 and Akbarzadeh et al.19. In these studies, participants completed a course of EECP therapy. Researchers assessed outcomes using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and electrocardiographic analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), documenting significant improvements in sleep efficiency and autonomic balance.
PureFlow™ supports physical recovery and readiness.ᶠ
PureFlow™ has been studied in physically active populations as a recovery-supporting intervention, particularly in situations where multiple training sessions occur in close succession.
– PureFlow™ enhances Perceived Recovery.ᶠ
f. These findings are derived from controlled crossover studies, including research by Russell et al.22 and Roberts et al.23. Findings suggest potential utility as a between-session recovery tool that does not add metabolic demand or joint stress to the user.
Physiological timeline
The benefits of PureFlow™ are cumulative as clinical studies have documented progressive physiological changes across the standard treatment course.
Clinical research distinguishes between the acute hemodynamic effects that occur during every single session and the chronic structural adaptations that are measured after a standard course of protocol.
Safety profile and contraindications
Our core technology, PureFlow™, is based on Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP), a non-invasive therapy that has been FDA-cleared for the treatment of specific cardiovascular conditions (FDA 510(k) K173483). The safety profile of EECP is well established, with millions of hours of patient use recorded globally.
Because this technology influences blood circulation, there are specific medical conditions in which the Aurion Protocol is not recommended.
Contraindications
PureFlow™ is NOT suitable for individuals with the following conditions:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Active blood clots or a history of DVT, as increased blood flow could dislodge a clot.
- Severe Aortic Insufficiency: Leaky heart valves (regurgitation) where increased diastolic pressure would be detrimental.
- Uncontrolled Hypertension: Blood pressure consistently above 180/110 mmHg.
- Pregnancy: The protocol has not been established as safe for pregnant individuals.
- Recent Surgery: Open wounds or recent surgical sites in the legs or abdomen.